Knowledge Gap
There is an instructional and technical analysis gap in ESL teacher training. The demand for competent teachers who can utilize new educational technologies and integrate the innovative technologies into their language practice has been growing (Hampela & Sticklera, 2005, as cited in Jeong 2017). There is a learning gap as teachers struggle with rapid changes in technology, how to implement it and how to create a balance for students. Ethical concerns is on the rise on students’ use of AI and how to support language teaching and learning.
Learner Profile
Beginner to advance ESL/EFL teachers participating in the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) MOOC Program that is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The OPEN MOOC program is designed for nonnative English teachers of all cultural background, race and ethnicity to collaborate with U.S.-based English language professional or academic institutions online. Some prior knowledge in genre awareness is needed but is not a prerequiste. It would be helpful with understanding the cultural and instructional aspect of how writing is taught in their home country. The minicourse will cover foundational skills teachers would need to create literacy tasks and the pedagogy of computer-assisted language learning, however teachers may adapt and customize it to their students' needs. The main question or concern would be accessibility in terms of devices available and if there are possible translations provided.
Reference
Kyeong-Ouk Jeong (2017) Preparing EFL student teachers with new technologies in the Korean context, Computer Assisted Language Learning, 30:6, 488-509, DOI: 10.1080/09588221.2017.1321554